Materials Science and Engineering (MATSE) - (ARCHIVE)

The future can be appropriately termed the age of materials. In addition to the traditional engineering applications of metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers, new materials and composites must be developed by materials scientists to aid progress in the exploration of the oceans and space and to encourage our efficient utilization of energy. These new materials will help meet the demands of society for improved efficiencies and reliable performance at high temperatures and in severe environments.

Students in materials sciences and engineering begin with a background in basic chemistry, mathematics, and physics, the foundation for broad-based materials properties, processing, and applications courses. Commencing with their junior year, students take courses in Materials Science and Engineering and specialized courses in one of four options: Ceramic Science and Engineering, Electronic and Photonic Materials, Metals Science and Engineering, or Polymer Science.

POLYMER SCIENCE MINOR: Students must take PLMSE 406(3); select 12 credits from PLMSE 400(3), 401(3), 407(3), 409(3), and 410(3); and select 3 credits from PLMSE 412(1), 413(1), 416(3), 442(3), 494W(3), 496(1-3), CHEM 455(3), CH E 441(3), E MCH 446(3), or B M B 474(2), for a minimum of 18 credits. No credit toward the minor will be given for courses with a grade lower than C.

CERAMIC SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING OPTION

PROFESSOR DAVID J. GREEN, Program Chair

This option covers the manufacture and usage of a wide variety of inorganic materials that usually include high temperatures. The program helps prepare students for operating, research, and development positions in all sections of the ceramic industry and for graduate studies. Graduates also find employment in many other industries that use ceramic materials, such as iron and steel, electrical and electronic, energy generation, automotive, aeronautical, and aerospace. Many find employment in industries that manufacture composite materials such as glass-ceramics, metal-ceramics, or glass-metal structures. The B.S. degree in this option is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).

For the B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering with an option in Ceramic Science and Engineering, a minimum of 129 credits is required.

ELECTRONIC AND PHOTONIC MATERIALS OPTION

PROFESSOR DAVID J. GREEN, Program Chair

This option provides specialized courses dealing with the processing, properties, and performance of semiconductor, optoelectronic, and optical materials and devices. The graduates contribute in the electronics, telecommunications, and computer industries or pursue advanced studies in materials science and engineering. The B.S. degree in this option is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).

For the B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering with an option in Electronic and Photonic Materials, a minimum of 128 credits is required.

METALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING OPTION

PROFESSOR KWADWO OSSEO-ASARE, Program Chair

The metals option provides an opportunity to explore a broad range of both scientific and engineering principles as applied to metals and alloys. A graduate of this option will thus typically apply basic concepts of chemistry, physics, or engineering science to problems concerning the processing or properties of metals. Although metallurgists are often employed by metals-producing industries, an increasingly large fraction are finding employment in a diverse group of industries that use metals, such as those in the electronics or aerospace fields. Many graduates pursue advanced studies. The B.S. degree in this option is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).

For the B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering with an option in Metals Science and Engineering, a minimum of 128 credits is required.

POLYMER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING OPTION

PROFESSOR PAUL C. PAINTER, Program Chair

This option allows the student to establish a firm foundation in the basic sciences and to apply this knowledge to a study of the synthesis, structure, and physical and mechanical properties of synthetic and natural polymers.

Polymers are a major class of materials consisting of macromolecules of very high molecular weight. Polymers are pervasive in today's technological society and find numerous applications in such diverse fields as plastics, elastomers (rubber), adhesives, surface coatings (paints), textiles, paper, packaging, and composite materials.

This option helps prepare graduates for research, development, and technical sales positions in numerous materials and chemical industries that either produce or utilize polymers; or to proceed to advanced studies in polymer science or related technical fields.

For the B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering with an option in Polymer Science and Engineering, a minimum of 124 credits is required.

Scheduling Recommendation by Semester Standing given like (Sem:1-2)

GENERAL EDUCATION: 46 credits
(15 of these 46 credits are included in the REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR)
(See description of General Education in front of Bulletin. Note: The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) does not permit the use of skills courses to satisfy the Arts category of General Education.)

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (6 credits)
Select 6 credits of technical courses from department list. At least 3 credits must be in CERSE or PLMSE and 3 credits must be in the engineering sciences. (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC.) (Sem: 5-8)

Note: Engineering students are expected to take at least one sequence of humanities, social science, or arts courses of either 6 or 9 credits that culminates in a higher-level course. Humanities, arts, and social science courses should compose an integral part of the engineering program and not be limited to a selection of unrelated introductory courses. Close consultation with advisers on these issues is warranted.

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[1] A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better, as specified in Senate Policy 82-44.

The University reserves the right to change the requirements and regulations listed here and to determine whether a student has satisfactorily met its requirements for admission or graduation, and to reject any applicant for any reason the University determines to be material to the applicant's qualifications to pursue higher education. Nothing in this material should be considered a guarantee that completion of a program and graduation from the University will result in employment.

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This is the official bulletin of The Pennsylvania State University.
Programmatic expectations for General Education are those in effect at the
time of admission to degree candidacy, and college and major requirements
are those in effect at the time of entry to college and major. These are
accurately indicated in each student's degree audit.

The University reserves the right to change the requirements and regulations
listed here and to determine whether a student has satisfactorily met its
requirements for admission or graduation, and to reject any applicant for
any reason the University determines to be material to the applicant's
qualifications to pursue higher education. Nothing in this material should
be considered a guarantee that completion of a program and graduation from
the University will result in employment.

The University Faculty Senate has responsibility for and authority over all
academic information contained in the Undergraduate Bulletin.